Transitional term ahead for Cache Creek Council

Once Cache Creek Council had been sworn in by Cache Creek administrator Dan Plamondon, Mayor John Ranta called to order Council’s inaugural meeting on Dec. 1.

He thanked former Councillor Darrell Rawcliffe, who resigned last year due to health problems and was not present at the inaugural meeting, calling him a valuable member of Council.

He also thanked all of the candidates in the Nov. 15 election: “All who put their names forward are worthy of consideration,” he said, as well as everyone who participated in the election and were responsible for a 51 per cent turnout at the polls, a significant jump from the 43 per cent turnout in 2011.

He noted that this marked the first four year term for local government in BC.

The re-election of all incumbent Cache Creek Council members affirmed that council is heading in the right direction, said Ranta. He added, however, that he would be talking to each of the councillors over the next week and asking them about any issues they heard while campaigning. He said they would be considered further at a strategic planning meeting.

Ranta said he has already met with Ashcroft Mayor-elect Jack Jeyes and that he looks forward to enhancing neighbourly relations with Ashcroft.

Meanwhile in Cache Creek, there will be more infrastructure work needed on the roads and sewage treatment, new equipment for the fire dept. and more.

“This is a transformational time in Cache Creek’s history,” he said, where dependence on Metro Vancouver for landfill royalties will come to an end, and will hopefully expand to all of BC.

He encouraged Council to work together, and to respect the views of their constituents as well as each other.

Council also formalized its representation on the TNRD board of directors. Ranta for a motion to re-appoint himself on the board, which is in keeping with the practice of most councils. Ranta noted that for the first time in many years, Coun. Wyatt McMurray would not be standing as alternate director. Coun. Herb Hofer was chosen instead.